A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage At The Alrosa Villa

If you already know the answer to that, you will know why this book is special. Parent, Ott, and Bonnin have nothing to do with this book. However, AVDOP briefly covers the lives of three others - Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson, Nathan Bray, and Erin "Stoney" Halk - who died at the Alrosa Villa on Dec. 8, 2004, when a schizophrenic gunman came to the Damageplan heavy metal concert on a mission to kill two brother musicians, Darrell "Dimebag" and Vinnie Paul Abbott. They succeeded in killing Darrell. It's a sad fact that the names and life stories of killers usually eclipse those of their victims, heroes or not. Chris Armold defies that norm by writing a book with long chapters celebrating the difficulties and triumphs in the lives of these three murdered heroes. I see that some have complained that the book covers too little of Darrell Abbott, but as a well known rock star, his story can be easily found all over. The author inserts short "Dime Time" interludes between chapters, statements about him by friends and fans. I had never heard of Abbott until shortly before I came across this book, and felt the author gave enough information to give the reader an insight into the man and his unique, loveable personality, enough to make a person want to discover more about him. I first heard of Abbott when I saw a list of actors and musicians who died on stage. As a true crime reader, I found this book to be an exceptional read. It did not matter that I was new to the story, or that I'm not a heavy metal fan. The book piqued my interest enough to get me to listen to some Pantera and Damageplan to get a better feel for the story! Some great true crime books are like a large, beautifully cut gemstone (example Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders ); this one is like a handful of smaller, equally beautiful precious gemstones. The sections and chapters are not overly long, making it a quick read and making it easy to find information you want to return to. Sections include: 1. chapters on each hero/victim and the story of the Alrosa Villa club 2. a few chapters on the life of the killer 3. short "Dime Time" bits with bites of information about Darrell Abbott 4. a list of FAQ which the author couldn't easily cover in the body of the book 5. footnotes, references 6. a list of witnesses, employees of the club, and first responders 7. dozens of photographs of the principles and locations 8. diagrams of the floor plan of the Alrosa Villa, including ones showing the movements of the killer, where people were shot, and photographs which are matched up with those key spots - especially helpful! 9. brief statements by the family of the three hero/victims 10. a descriptions of the funerals with photos of the memorials 11. statements by Officer Niggemeyer and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman It's clear Chris Armold put a large amount of time, effort, legwork and love into this story. It's a fitting tribute to all those involved - family, friends, victims, and both surviving and deceased heroes. Thanks Chris A. for introducing me to this sad yet fascinating story! I highly encourage readers to visit Find A Grave and leave free virtual flowers at their memorials.

This was one of the best reads I've had in quite awhile! Chris A's thorough research into the lives of not only Dimebag, but of Nathan Bray, Erin Halk, Jeff Thompson and "The Beast", is nothing short of brilliant. He gives us very clear, easy to read insight into these people's lives, documented with plenty of pictures and quotes from friends and family. The tragedy of Dime's death has been well documented and still haunts me to this day. Hearing the life stories of Bray, Halk and Thompson, and their selfless heroism only add to the extent of the tragedy. The book sheds much needed light on how truly extraordinary these three people were, and the heros they were in life to those who knew and loved them. The chapter regarding that terrible night at Alrosa Villa was so intense that when I finished it I had tears in my eyes and the hair on my arm was standing straight up. It couldn't have been documented any better! I was hesitant about this book initially because it seemed to be another unauthorized fan book that would be poorly written and thrown together. IT IS NOT! Even though outside of friends and family, not a lot of people knew who Nathan Bray, Erin Halk and Jeff Thompson were, after reading this book they will stand shoulder to shoulder with Dime in your mind and heart, when thinking of this terrible night when four extraordinary human beings were needlessly murdered. Bravo, Chris A!

A Vulgar Display of Power is an amazing book. If you begin to read this book you will not be able to put it down. It gives such incredible insight to everyone that was involved in the Villa shooting as well recapping all the events that unfolded that dreadful night. It is crazy to think just how quickly it all happened. This book has been written very well and while the focus isnt soley on Dimebag, you get to know each heroic person that attempted to help and save Dime. You even get a glimpse into the mind of the killer and his background. I had so many questions about Dime's death and I never could find a step by step account of the Villa shooting. It laid to rest the questions that I had about Dimebag on his final day. RIP brother, we will be seeing you soon.

Whether you are a Pantera fan or not, you will find this a gripping story. It recounts the killing of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and others while playing a concert. The author is very respectful of everyone depicted in the story, including the shooter and the result is feeling like you knew everyone involved and how they came to be in that fateful place at that fateful time. The author did a good job with this book and has created an accurate and compelling account of the event and people. If you enjoy true crime books, you will love this book - even if you have no idea who any of the people involved are and never heard of this story before now. If you are a heavy metal fan, this is an absolute must read. Definately recommend! SDMF